Commemorating D-day … in September … and Super Hornet buys

Was watching C-Span’s U.S. House coverage this afternoon to hear what might get said about the proposed multi-year Super Hornet buy when Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., rose to speak in support of House Resolution 1251, “Recognizing and Honoring the United States troops who gave their lives on D-day at the Battle of Normandy.” It’s obviously a worthy gesture, and one that was shortly seconded by Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., who would soon rise to tout his Super Hornet bill.

The 66th anniversary of D-day, however, took place on June 6, 2010 — more than three months ago.

The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, was introduced in April. It was then referred to the House Armed Services Committee, then to its Subcommittee on Military Personnel — where it apparently has been patiently waiting for action.

It finally passed today, on a voice vote.

A few minutes later, so did Akins’ Super Hornet bill, which he and the Pentagon say will save taxpayers some $600 million on procurement of an already agreed-upon number of F/A-18 E/F/G jets — or, as Taylor put it, enough to fund an additional Littoral Combat Ship. Akins urged the Senate to quickly pass it as well as part of its Fiscal Year 2011 Defense Authorization Act before the end of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30.